GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT of an indoor barbecue were Barbara Worley of Wakefield, at left, and Kim Vetters of Reading. (Gail Lowe Photo)
Published in the January 16, 2017 edition.
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — About 200 people from Wakefield and surrounding communities ate, danced, bid on silent auction items and took chances on raffle gifts Saturday night, Jan. 14, at the Wakefield Elks on Bay State Road where an Independence Day Parade fundraiser took place.
Patrick Sullivan, chairman of the Wakefield Independence Day Committee (WIDC), said that nearly $4,000 was raised to help pay for expenses associated with the parade.
“It was a fantastic night,” said Sullivan. “A big winner of the silent auction was Patricia Murphy of Wakefield.”
It was a cold night, but no one seemed to notice. Keeping with the theme of an old-fashioned barbecue, the revelers came decked out in red, white and blue crocheted scarves, beads and Texas style hats. If anyone wanted to take off their shoes, flip-flops were available at the door.
Among the 28 auction items were a necklace and earring set from Adda Sue Designs valued at $66; scarf, gloves and $100 gift certificate from Florence’s Fashions; a stress relief basket valued at $100 from Pamper Me Skin Care and four bottles of wine and chocolates valued at $100 from Elaine Guetta.
Raffle items included one dozen cupcakes valued at $32 from Cupcake City in Reading, a Men’s Wearhouse gift certificate valued at $50, a 99 Restaurant gift certificate valued at $25 and Ecotarium tickets valued at $50.
Sullivan said that the “incredibly successful fundraiser” was pulled off due to the hard work of the WIDC volunteers and “great contributions” of Brian Fox, Jackie Fox and Ashley Fox in addition to many others who donated their time to make the evening possible.
DJ Jimi Carter, CEO of All Pro Events, provided the dance music while Tennessee’s Real BBQ Real Fast on Rte. 114 in Peabody delivered the food, which included ribs, chicken, pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, salad and sandwich rolls.
Committee members are currently planning a comedy night fundraiser in early April at Prince Pizzeria on Rte. 1 in Saugus. All fundraiser information is posted at www.julyparade.org as it becomes available.
Donations are always welcome and can be made online or mailed to PO Box 1746.
